Two men charged after catalytic converter sting

By HEATHER RAWLYK, Staff Writer

Published 05/13/08

Two men suspected of stealing more than a dozen catalytic converters in Stevensville and Queenstown were charged with theft yesterday after undercover Queen Anne's County Sheriff's deputies said they caught them cutting the part from a decoy vehicle at a nearby park and ride.

Photo courtesy of Queen Anne's County sheriff
David Leager, left, and Joseph Messaris were caught cutting a catalytic converter off a car in Queen Anne's County. The police had set up a decoy car at the Route 8 Park and Ride in Stevensville

In the past two months, sheriff's deputies have seen a spike in catalytic converter thefts at schools, shopping centers, and park and rides in the western part of the county, said Lt. Dale Patrick, a spokesman for the department.

Two weeks ago, numerous uniformed and undercover deputies started patrolling frequently hit areas, such as the Prime...

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Answer - May 14, 2008

The 'Cat' thieves like something they can easily crawl under as in SUVs or 4x4 type vehicles.

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Paul F. - Shady Side, MD - Karma: Bad

catalytic converter? - May 14, 2008

I park at the Annapolis Park and Ride on Riva Road. I had no idea this was an issue. It would be nice to know what type of cars, aside from the sting car, are popular targets. Is my car safe at the park and ride?

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m. jones - annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad